Safety shield for medical needles

ABSTRACT

A medical needle shield apparatus is provided that includes a needle hub having an outer needle cannula extending therefrom. An inner needle is disposed for slidable movement with the outer needle cannula. At least one shield is extensible from a retracted position to an extended position to enclose a distal end of the inner needle. The shield includes a binding member disposed within the shield and defines binding surfaces that form an aperture configured for slidable receipt of the inner needle. The binding member includes at least one drag inducing member that engages the inner needle during slidable receipt to create a drag force. The drag force facilitates rotation of the binding member such that the binding surfaces engage the inner needle to prevent slidable movement. The binding member further includes a needle communicating surface extending therefrom that is engageable with the inner needle to prevent rotation of the binding member. A retainer extends transversely from the needle communicating surface for releasable engagement with the needle hub.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Utility patentapplication Ser. No. 10/322,288, filed in the U.S. Patent and TrademarkOffice on Dec. 17, 2002 by Ferguson et al., which claims priority toU.S. Provisional Patent application Serial No. 60/424,655, filed in theU.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Nov. 7, 2002 by Bagley et al., andU.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 10/202,201, filed in the U.S.Patent and Trademark Office on Jul. 23, 2002 by Ferguson et al., whichis a continuation-in-part of U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No.09/809,357, filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Mar. 15,2001 by Ferguson et al., the entire contents of each of thesedisclosures being hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure generally relates to safety shields for medicalneedles, and more particularly, to safety shields that protect a needlepoint of a medical needle.

2. Description of the Related Art

Problems associated with inadvertent needle sticks are well known in theart of blood sampling, percutaneous medication injection and othermedical procedures involving use of medical needles. Significantattention has been focused on needle stick problems due to thecontemporary sensitivity of exposure to AIDS, Hepatitis and otherserious blood-borne pathogen exposures.

Procedures for removing a needle from a patient commonly require atechnician to use one hand to place pressure at the wound site where theneedle is being withdrawn, while removing the needle device with theother hand. It is also common practice for an attending technician togive higher priority to care for the patient than is given to disposalof a needle. In the case of typical needle devices without safetyshields, such priority either requires the convenience of an availablesharps container within reach or another means for safe disposal withoutleaving the patient's side. Providing adequate care while followingsafety procedures is often compounded by the patient's physicalcondition and mental state, such as in burn units and psychiatric wards.Under such conditions, it is difficult to properly dispose of a usedneedle while caring for a patient.

The widespread knowledge and history associated with needle care anddisposal problems have resulted in numerous devices for preventingaccidental needle sticks. Problems of current safety devices includedifficulty of use and high cost due to their complexity and number ofparts.

Other known devices employ sheaths that are spring activated,telescoping, pivoting, etc. These devices, however, maydisadvantageously misfire or be cumbersome to activate. Furtherdrawbacks of current devices include high manufacturing cost due tocomplexity and the number of parts. Thus, these type prior art devicesmay not adequately and reliably shield medical needle apparatus toprevent hazardous exposure.

Consequently, there remains a need to provide a more satisfactorysolution for needle safety devices by overcoming the disadvantages anddrawbacks of the prior art. Therefore, it would be desirable to providea more adequate and reliable medical needle shield apparatus thatemploys a safety shield slidably movable along a medical needle toprevent hazardous exposure to a needle tip. Such a needle shieldapparatus should be easily and reliably movable to shield a needle tipof a needle cannula.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, the present disclosure addresses a need for a medicalneedle shield apparatus which effectively and inexpensively protects atip of a medical needle after use. The present disclosure resolvesrelated disadvantages and drawbacks experienced in the art. Morespecifically, the apparatus and method of this invention constitute animportant advance in the art of safety needle devices.

In one particular embodiment, a medical needle shield apparatus isprovided in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.The medical needle shield apparatus includes a needle hub having anouter needle cannula extending therefrom to a distal end. An innerneedle is disposed for slidable movement with the outer needle cannula.At least one shield is extensible from a retracted position to anextended position to enclose a distal end of the inner needle. Theshield includes a binding member disposed within the shield and definesbinding surfaces that form an aperture configured for slidable receiptof the inner needle between the retracted position and the extendedposition.

The binding member includes at least one drag inducing member such thatthe member engages the inner needle during slidable receipt of the innerneedle to create a drag force with the inner needle. The drag forcefacilitates rotation of the binding member relative to a longitudinalaxis of the inner needle such that the binding surfaces engage the innerneedle to prevent slidable movement of the inner needle in the extendedposition of the shield. The binding member further includes a needlecommunicating surface extending therefrom such that the needlecommunicating surface is engageable with the inner needle to preventrotation of the binding member. A retainer extends transversely from theneedle communicating surface for releasable engagement with the needlehub.

The binding member may be rotatable, relative to a longitudinal axis ofthe inner needle, between a non-binding orientation whereby the innerneedle is slidable relative to the binding member and a bindingorientation whereby the binding surfaces engage the inner needle toprevent slidable movement of the inner needle in the extended positionof the at least one shield. The binding member may include one or moreoutwardly arcuate arms that extend to the needle-communicating surface.

The inner needle can be attached to a handle for manipulation thereof.The needle hub may define a hub slot configured for receipt of theretainer. The needle hub may be releasably mountable with a housing ofthe at least one shield. The medical needle shield apparatus may furtherinclude a plurality of shields.

The at least one drag inducing member may define a cavity that issubstantially aligned with the aperture. The cavity is configured forslidable receipt of the needle to create the drag force with the needle.The binding member may include a substantially planar aperture platethat includes the binding surfaces that form the aperture. The at leastone drag inducing member may include a pair of arms extending from theaperture plate. The arms can have curled end portions spaced apart fromthe aperture plate. The arms can include deflectable members.

The shield can include a housing that defines at least one blockingmember extending from an interior surface thereof. The at least oneblocking member can be engageable with the binding member for urging thebinding member to a binding orientation. The aperture plate is axiallymovable for engagement with the at least one blocking member that causesrotation of the binding member to a binding orientation.

The medical needle shield apparatus may further include an externalgripping element that encloses the at least one shield. The externalgripping element supports the at least one shield for relativerotational movement therewith. The at least one shield can be supportedfor relative rotational movement by the external gripping element by atleast one bearing.

In an alternate embodiment, the medical needle shield apparatus includesa shield being extensible from a retracted position to an extendedposition to enclose a distal end of the outer needle cannula. The shielddefines a probe guide at a distal end thereof that is configured forreceipt of a probe. The probe is configured for slidable movement withthe outer needle cannula.

In another embodiment, the medical needle shield apparatus includes aneedle hub having an outer needle cannula extending therefrom to adistal end. An inner needle is disposed for slidable movement with theouter needle cannula. A handle is attached to the inner needle anddefines a flash chamber in communication with the inner needle. Theflash chamber has a fitting that facilitates connection to a medicaldevice. A shield is releasably mountable to the needle hub andextensible from a retracted position to an extended position to enclosea distal end of the inner needle. The handle is disposed adjacent theshield.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present inventionwill be more fully understood from the following detailed description ofthe exemplary embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one particular embodiment of a medicalneedle shield apparatus in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 2 is a cutaway perspective view of a shield, in a non-bindingorientation, of the medical needle shield apparatus shown in FIG. 1 witha housing section separated;

FIG. 3 illustrates the cutaway perspective view of the medical needleshield apparatus shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cutaway perspective view of the shield, in a bindingorientation, of the medical needle shield apparatus shown in FIG. 1 withthe housing section removed;

FIG. 5 is a cutaway perspective of the shield shown in FIG. 4 in alocked position;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a binding member of themedical needle shield apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a housing section of theshield shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is an alternate cutaway perspective view of the shield shown inFIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of an alternate embodiment of thebinding member shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of another alternate embodimentof the binding member shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of another alternate embodimentof the binding member shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 12 is a cutaway perspective view of the shield shown in FIG. 5illustrating an alternate embodiment of the friction members;

FIG. 13 is a cutaway perspective view of the shield shown in FIG. 12illustrating another embodiment of the friction members;

FIG. 14 is a cutaway perspective view of an alternate embodiment of themedical needle shield apparatus shown in FIG. 1, with an additional hubsupport;

FIG. 15 is a cutaway perspective view of the medical needle shieldapparatus shown in FIG. 1 illustrating an alternate embodiment of theshield;

FIG. 16 is a cutaway perspective view of the medical needle shieldapparatus shown in FIG. 1 with an outer rotatable housing;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged cutaway perspective view of the medical needleshield apparatus shown in FIG. 16, with a housing section removed;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a housing section shown in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is an enlarged perspective view of an axle of the medical needleshield apparatus shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 20 is a cutaway perspective view of an alternate embodiment of themedical needle shield apparatus shown in FIG. 16 with parts separated;

FIG. 21 is a cutaway perspective view of another alternate embodiment ofthe medical needle shield apparatus shown in FIG. 16 with partsseparated;

FIG. 22 is an enlarged perspective view of a housing section shown inFIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is an enlarged perspective view of an alternate embodiment ofthe medical needle apparatus shown in FIG. 16, with a housing sectionremoved;

FIG. 24 is an enlarged perspective view of an axle shown in FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is an enlarged perspective view of a housing section shown inFIG. 23;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the medical needle shield apparatusshown in FIG. 16, prior to actuation;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the medical needle shield apparatusshown in FIG. 16, in the actuated position;

FIG. 28 is a cutaway perspective view of another embodiment of themedical needle shield apparatus shown in FIG. 16, with a housing sectionremoved;

FIG. 29 is an enlarged perspective view of the housing of the medicalneedle shield apparatus shown in FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is an alternate perspective view of the housing shown in FIG.29;

FIG. 31 is an enlarged perspective view of a gripping element of thehousing shown in FIG. 28;

FIG. 32 is an enlarged perspective view of a binding member employedwith the medical needle shield apparatus shown in FIG. 28;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the medical needle shield apparatusshown in FIG. 16 with a sheath;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the medicalneedle shield apparatus shown in FIG. 28;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the medical needle shield apparatusshown in FIG. 34, with parts separated;

FIG. 36 is a cutaway perspective view of the medical needle shieldapparatus shown in FIG. 34, in cross-section;

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the medicalneedle shield apparatus shown in FIG. 34;

FIG. 38 is a perspective view, in part cross-section, of the medicalneedle shield apparatus shown in FIG. 37;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the medical needle shield apparatusshown in FIG. 37, with parts separated;

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the medicalneedle shield apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the medical needle shield apparatusshown in FIG. 40, with parts separated;

FIG. 42 illustrates a housing shown in FIG. 41 in part cross section;

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of another embodiment the medical needleshield apparatus shown in FIG. 28;

FIG. 44 is a perspective view, in a cross-section of the medical needleshield apparatus shown in FIG. 43;

FIG. 45 is a perspective view of the medical needle shield apparatusshown in FIG. 43, with parts separated;

FIG. 46 is a cutaway perspective view of the medical needle shieldapparatus shown in FIG. 43; and

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the medical needle shield apparatusshown in FIG. 43 with parts separated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The exemplary embodiments of the medical needle shield apparatus andmethods of operation disclosed are discussed in terms of medical needlesfor infusion of intravenous fluids, medication infusion or fluidcollection, and more particularly, in terms of needle shield apparatusemployed with a needle cannula that prevent hazardous exposure to theneedle tip, including, for example, inadvertent needle sticks. It isenvisioned that the present disclosure, however, finds application to awide variety of cannula needles and devices for the infusion ofpreventive medications, medicaments, therapeutics, etc. to a subject,such as, for example, epidural needles, spinal needles, biopsy needles,chiba needles, potts cournand needles, etc. It is also envisioned thatthe present disclosure may be employed for collection of body fluidsand/or tissues, including those employed during procedures relating tobone biopsy, phlebotomy, digestive, intestinal, urinary, veterinary,etc. It is contemplated that the medical needle shield apparatus may beutilized with other medical needle applications including, but notlimited to, fluid infusion, fluid collection, catheters, catheterintroducers, guidewire introducers, spinal and epidural, biopsy,aphaeresis, dialysis, blood donor, Veress needles, Huber needles, etc.

In the discussion that follows, the term “proximal” refers to a portionof a structure that is closer to a clinician, and the term “distal”refers to a portion that is further from the clinician. As used herein,the term “subject” refers to a patient that receives infusions or hasblood and/or fluid collected therefrom using the medical needle shieldapparatus. According to the present disclosure, the term “clinician”refers to an individual administering an infusion, performing fluid ortissue collection, installing or removing a needle cannula from amedical needle shield apparatus and may include support personnel.

The following discussion includes a description of the medical needleshield apparatus, followed by a description of the method of operatingthe medical needle shield apparatus in accordance with the presentdisclosure. Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplaryembodiments of the disclosure, which are illustrated in the accompanyingfigures.

Turning now to the figures, wherein like components are designated bylike reference numerals throughout the several views. Referringinitially to FIGS. 1-8, there is illustrated a medical needle shieldapparatus, constructed in accordance with the principals of the presentdisclosure. The medical needle shield apparatus includes a shield 300that is extensible from a retracted position (FIG. 1) to an extendedposition (FIG. 4) to enclose a distal end 314 of a needle such as, forexample, stylette 316 of a needle assembly. The needle assembly includesa hollow outer needle 317. Stylette 316 is slideably and concentricallydisposed with needle 317 for employment therewith during a medicalneedle application, as will be discussed. A stylette handle 318 isconnected to stylette 316 to facilitate manipulation thereof. Otherneedle assemblies are also contemplated, including for example, needlecannulae, guide wire/introducers, etc.

A binding member 364 is disposed within shield 300 and defines bindingsurfaces 368. Binding surfaces 368 form an aperture 366 configured forslidable receipt of stylette 316 between the retracted position and theextended position. Binding member 364 includes a drag inducing member,such as, for example, friction members 362 extending therefrom. Bindingmember 364 has a needle communicating surface 372 that is engageablewith stylette 316 to prevent rotation of binding member 364.

Friction members 362 are configured for slidable engagement withstylette 316 between the retracted position and the extended positionsuch that friction members 362 engage stylette 316 to create a dragforce with stylette 316. It is envisioned that one or a plurality offriction members 362 may be employed.

The drag force in conjunction with one of blocking members 340 and/or342, cause binding member 364 to move to a binding position (FIGS. 4 and5). The force created by blocking members 340 and/or 342 acts in adirection opposite to the drag force. This causes a force couple, whichmoves binding member 364 to the binding position.

As stylette 316 is released from engagement with a needle communicatingsurface 372, binding member 364 and a retainer 414 move to the bindingposition. Rotation of binding member 364 is no longer opposed byengagement with stylette 316 at needle communicating surface 372. Thus,binding member 364, with retainer 414, is subject to inclination intothe binding position. Rotation of binding member 364 causes bindingsurfaces 368 to frictionally engage stylette 316 to prevent movementthereof.

Blocking members 340 and/or 342 cause binding member 364 to move to thebinding position as forces imposed on shield 300 cause relative movementthereof in either direction along longitudinal axis x. This maintainsstylette 316 within shield 300 to avoid hazardous exposure to distal end314. It is envisioned that needle communicating surface 372 may includeribs, projections, cavities, etc. for engagement with stylette 316 orthat a portion of needle communicating surface 372 engages stylette 316.

The components of the medical needle shield apparatus can be fabricatedfrom a material suitable for medical applications, such as, for example,polymerics or metals, such as stainless steel, depending on theparticular medical application and/or preference of a clinician.Semi-rigid and rigid polymerics are contemplated for fabrication, aswell as resilient materials, such as molded medical grade polypropylene.However, one skilled in the art will realize that other materials andfabrication methods suitable for assembly and manufacture, in accordancewith the present disclosure, also would be appropriate.

Shield 300 includes a housing 312 that encloses binding member 364.Housing 312 includes a housing first section 328 and a housing secondsection 330. It is envisioned that housing sections 328, 330 may bevariously configured and dimensioned such as, for example, rectangular,spherical, etc. It is further envisioned that housing sections 328, 330may be joined by any appropriate process such as, for example, snap fit,adhesive, solvent weld, thermal weld, ultrasonic weld, screw, rivet,etc. Alternatively, housing 312 may be monolithically formed orintegrally assembled of multiple housing sections and may besubstantially transparent, opaque, etc. Housing sections 328, 330 mayinclude ribs, ridges, etc. to facilitate manipulation of the medicalneedle shield apparatus.

In the retracted position, shield 300 is disposed adjacent to a needlehub 332 of outer needle 317. It is contemplated that outer needle 317may also be comprised of a flexible, polymeric material, and that thecomponents of the medical needle apparatus may be employed with otherneedle applications, such as, for example, catheters, guidewireintroducers, such as a Seldinger needle, etc.

Binding member 364 may be monolithically formed and includes an apertureplate 365, frictional members 362, end sensing member 371, needlecommunicating surface 372 and retainer 414. It is contemplated thatbinding member 364 may include one or more frictional members 362.Aperture plate 365 has a rectangular, generally planar configurationwith sufficient stiffness to produce forces for binding stylette 316, aswill be discussed. It is envisioned that aperture plate 365 may have anarcuate surface, undulating, etc. It is further envisioned that apertureplate 365 may have various degrees of stiffness according to therequirements of a particular application.

Frictional members 362 may be monolithically formed with binding member364 and extend from aperture plate 365 in association therewith foralignment with aperture 366 and engagement with stylette 316. Eachfrictional member 362 may include a flexible arm 363, which are spacedapart to facilitate sliding engagement with stylette 316. Suchengagement creates a frictional drag force with stylette 316. Thisfrictional drag force in conjunction with one of the blocking members340 and/or 342 causes binding member 364 to move with stylette 316,which generates a canting force and inclination of aperture plate 365.The canting force and inclination urge rotation of binding member 364.It is contemplated that a single friction member may be employed. It isfurther contemplated that frictional members 362 may have flexibleportions, which may be of varying flexibility according to theparticular requirements of a needle application.

As facilitated by movement of stylette 316, the canting force causes alever or moment of end sensing member 371, which is opposed to preventrotation of binding member 364. The canting force is opposed byengagement of needle communicating surface 372 with stylette 316 in anon-binding or sliding orientation (FIG. 2) of binding member 364.

End sensing member 371 extends distally from aperture plate 365,parallel to stylette 316. End sensing member 371 may be perpendicularlyoriented relative to a plane defined by aperture plate 365. Thisperpendicular orientation facilitates inclination of aperture plate 364for disposal in a binding or non-binding orientation of binding member364. It is envisioned that end sensing member 371 may be variouslyoriented with aperture plate 365 and may flexibly extend therefrom.

Needle communicating surface 372 opposes the canting force of endsensing member 371 directed to stylette 316. The canting force isgenerated by friction members 362 in conjunction with one of blockingmembers 340 and/or 342 and facilitates inclination of aperture plate365. Inclination, however, is prevented in the non-binding or slidingorientation because of the engagement of needle communicating surface372 with stylette 316. As stylette 316 is retracted proximally andshield 300 is extended distally, stylette 316 continues to slideablyengage needle communicating surface 372.

As stylette 316 is released from engagement with needle communicatingsurface 372, as shown in FIG. 4, a drag force is created betweenfriction members 362 and stylette 316. The drag force in conjunctionwith blocking member 342, cause aperture plate 365 to move to thebinding position, as discussed.

Rotation of aperture plate 365 causes binding surfaces 368 tofrictionally engage stylette 316 to prevent movement thereof. Blockingmembers 340, 342 cause aperture plate 365 to move to the bindingposition as forces are imposed on shield 300 in either direction alonglongitudinal axis x. This maintains stylette 316 within shield 300 toavoid hazardous exposure to distal end 314.

Aperture 366 is formed within aperture plate 365 for slidable engagementwith stylette 316 during movement between the retracted position and theextended position of shield 300. Aperture 366 includes binding surfaces368 formed on opposing sides of aperture 366 that engage stylette 316 toprevent movement thereof in the extended position of shield 300. It iscontemplated that engagement to prevent movement of stylette 316 mayinclude penetrating, frictional, interference, etc. It is envisionedthat aperture 366 may have various geometric configurations, such asradial, polygonal, etc. It is further envisioned that aperture 366 maydefine an open cavity within aperture plate 365, such as, for example,“U” shaped and open to one or a plurality of edges of aperture plate365.

The inclination of aperture plate 365 relative to longitudinal axis xfacilitates sliding and binding, via binding surfaces 368, of stylette316 within shield 300 to prevent hazardous exposure to distal end 314.For example, as shown in FIG. 2, aperture plate 365 is oriented at anangle of approximately 90° relative to longitudinal axis x such thataperture plate 365 is disposed substantially perpendicular to stylette316. In this non-binding or sliding orientation, stylette 316 is free toslide within aperture 366. As stylette 316 is retracted and shield 300is extended, stylette 316 continues to engage needle communicatingsurface 372 and aperture plate 365 maintains its perpendicularorientation relative to longitudinal axis x.

Referring to FIG. 5, shield 300 is manipulated such that frictionmembers 362 in conjunction with blocking member 342 cause binding member364 to rotate relative to longitudinal axis x. Aperture plate 365rotates out of perpendicular alignment with stylette 316 such thataperture plate 365 is oriented at an angle α, which is less than 90°with respect to longitudinal axis x. It is contemplated that angle α maybe measured from either side of aperture plate 365.

Aperture plate 365 rotates to angle α and binding member 364 approachesa binding orientation. The binding orientation includes engagement ofbinding surfaces 368 with stylette 316 due to the binding orientation ofaperture plate 365. This engagement creates binding frictional forces onstylette 316, in conjunction with frictional members 362 and blockingmembers 340, 342 to prevent movement of stylette 316 relative to shield300 in both distal and proximal directions, and to maintain distal end314 within shield 300 to prevent hazardous exposure thereto.

Blocking members 340, 342 may be formed with one or both of housingsections 328 and 330, and are disposed not to interfere with stylette316. Blocking members 340, 342 define surfaces 340A, 342A respectively,that facilitate disposal of aperture plate 365 in a binding orientation.

For example, as shown in FIG. 2, shield 300 is in a retracted positionand stylette 316 is fully extended. Binding member 364 and apertureplate 365 are in a non-binding or sliding orientation such that apertureplate 365 is substantially perpendicular to longitudinal axis x.Blocking members 340, 342 may engage aperture plate 365 to maintainaperture plate 365 in the perpendicular orientation. Blocking members340, 342 may also maintain such orientation during extension of stylette316 or may not engage stylette 316.

As stylette 316 is retracted and shield 300 is extended, as shown inFIG. 5, friction members 362 create a drag force via engagement withstylette 316 on binding member 364 and in conjunction with blockingmember 342 cause aperture plate 365 to rotate in a counter-clockwisedirection to the binding position. Blocking member surfaces 340A, 342Aengage aperture plate 365 to facilitate rotation thereof from theperpendicular position into the binding position such that bindingsurfaces 368 engage stylette 316, as discussed. This configurationprevents movement of stylette 316.

Binding of binding member 364 to stylette 316 is facilitated by thefriction force generated between binding surfaces 368 and stylette 316.This frictional engagement prevents axial movement of stylette 316relative to housing 312 when shield 300 is in the extended position.This configuration advantageously prevents hazardous exposure tostylette 316. It is contemplated that binding surfaces 368 may includesharp edges to increase frictional engagement. It is furthercontemplated that the binding friction force may be created and variedby one or more altering factors, such as, for example, aperture 366configuration and dimension, stylette 316 configuration and dimension,aperture plate 365 thickness, the dimension from blocking members 340,342 contact point to the centerline of stylette 316 and the coefficientof friction between aperture 366 and stylette 316 depending on theparticular requirements of a needle application. It is envisioned thatfriction members 362 may be configured so as to vary the drag force withvariation of the inclination of the aperture plate 365, this variationin drag force may be accomplished by geometric changes in the shape ofthe friction members 362, such as wedge shapes or the inclusion ofnotches to engage stylette 316, this variation in drag force may also beaccomplished through the selective application of friction modifyingmaterials or coatings such as oils, jells, greases, or coatings whichincrease friction.

Needle hub 332 is mounted with needle 317. Needle hub 332 is releasablymounted with shield 300 via releasable engagement with retainer 414.Needle hub 332 is employed with the medical needle shield apparatus ofthe present disclosure for various utility according to the requirementsof a particular medical needle application. Shield 300 and needle hub332 slidably support needle 317 and stylette 316 for use thereof. Handle318 facilitates manipulation thereof.

Needle hub 332 has a hub slot 424 for receipt and engagement withbinding member 364. Needle hub 332 has a finger tab 405 for urgingneedle hub 332 in a direction, along longitudinal axis x, away fromshield 300. This configuration facilitates removal and use of needle hub332 and needle 317 from shield 300 during a medical needle application.It is contemplated that finger tab 405 may be alternatively configuredand dimensioned according to the needle application.

A flange 404 of needle hub 332 is concentrically supported by a controlsurface 410 disposed about an inner surface of housing 312. Controlsurface 410 engages an outer surface 411 of flange 404 for releasablesupport thereof. Outer surface 411 may engage control surface 410 in africtional, interference, etc. fit to maintain releasable positioningwith housing 312. It is contemplated that control surface 410 may engageother portions of needle hub 332.

Housing 312 includes hub stop surfaces 412 that facilitate positioningof needle hub 332 with housing 312. Hub stop surfaces 412 preventproximal movement of needle hub 332 during mounting with and relative tohousing 312. Hub stop surfaces 412 advantageously facilitate control ofthe degree of insertion with housing 312 according to the requirementsof a particular medical needle application. One or a plurality of hubstop surfaces 412 may be employed. It is contemplated that hub stopsurfaces 412 may include springs, clips, etc. to facilitate attachmentwith needle hub 332.

Retainer 414 extends transversely from a distal end of needlecommunicating surface 372. Hub retainer 414 extends a sufficient lengthfor corresponding receipt within hub slot 424 of needle hub 332. Inassociation with a non-binding or sliding orientation of binding member364, retainer 414 engages needle hub 332, in hub slot 424, forreleasably mounting with housing 312 of shield 300.

As stylette 316 is retracted in a proximal direction and shield 300 isextended in a distal direction, retainer 414 rotates in a counterclockwise direction (FIG. 4) relative to longitudinal axis x due to thecanting forces generated by friction members 362. Retainer 414disengages from hub slot 424 to release needle hub 332 from housing 312.A clinician may manipulate finger tab 405 to manipulate needle hub 332distally and apart from shield 300. It is contemplated that retainer 414may be variously oriented from needle communicating surface 372. It isfurther contemplated that hub slot 424 may be variously dimensioned toextend about the circumference of needle hub 332. Hub slot 424 mayinclude tabs, etc. for retention with retainer 414.

Referring to FIG. 9, an alternate embodiment of binding member 364,similar to that described, is shown. An aperture plate 565 has apolygonal geometric configuration and an end sensing member 571 thatextends in a uniform axial orientation, parallel to stylette 316. Needlecommunicating surface 572 extends transversely to bridge a cavity 523between arms of end sensing member 571. Binding member 364 includesretainers 514 that extend for engagement with hub slot 424, similar tothat described. Friction members 562 extend laterally from apertureplate 365. Friction members 562 include a curled engagement surface forengagement with stylette 316.

Referring to FIG. 10, another alternate embodiment of binding member364, similar to those described, is shown. An end sensing member 671extends axially from an aperture plate 665 and a retainer 614 extendstransversely therefrom. Friction members 662 are disposed adjacent tobinding surfaces 668. Friction members 662 deflect in anarcuateconfiguration from aperture plate 665 to slidably engage stylette 316and create a drag force, as described herein. Binding member 364 has aneedle communicating surface 672 that is engageable with stylette 316 toprevent rotation of binding member 364.

Referring to FIG. 11, another embodiment of binding member 364, similarto those described, is shown. An end sensing member 771 extends axiallyfrom an aperture plate 765 and a retainer 714 extends transverselytherefrom. Friction member 762 has a rectangular configuration that ismounted with aperture plate 765. Friction member 762 defines an openingthat is aligned with aperture 766. The opening of friction member 762and binding surfaces 766 of aperture 766 slidably engage stylette 316 tocreate a drag force therewith, similar to that described. Binding member364 has a needle communicating surface 772 that is engageable withstylette 316 to prevent rotation of binding member 364.

In operation, the medical needle shield apparatus, similar to thatdescribed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure isprovided for employment with needle hub 332. The components of themedical needle shield apparatus are fabricated, properly sterilized andotherwise prepared for storage, shipment and use. Referring to FIG. 33,the medical needle shield apparatus is manipulated such that handle 318is held and a removable sheath 428 is removed therefrom. Sheath 428 isremovably mounted to needle hub 332 to enclose the components of themedical needle shield apparatus via friction, snap fit, interferencefit, etc.

Referring to FIGS. 1-8, the clinician (not shown) manipulates handle 318such that shield 300 is in the retracted position (FIG. 2) and bindingmember 364 is in a non-binding or sliding position. Stylette 316 isextended relative to shield 300 such that needle hub 332 is disposedabout needle 317 and needle hub 332 is releasably mounted with housing312. A procedure employing the medical needle shield apparatus withstylette 316 and needle 317 is performed by the clinician to completion.

Stylette 316 is retracted proximally such that shield 300 is extendedtoward the extended position. Binding member 364 is in the non-bindingor sliding position such that stylette 316 engages needle communicatingsurface 372 and binding surfaces 368 to facilitate sliding throughaperture 366, as discussed.

Referring to FIG. 5, as stylette 316 clears needle communicating surface372, retainer 414 is free to rotate due to the canting forces createdvia the engagement of stylette 316 with frictional members 362. Apertureplate 365 rotates counter-clockwise, relative to longitudinal axis x,from the perpendicular orientation to an inclination for a bindingorientation as facilitated by blocking members 340, 342. Aperture plate365 rotates to angle α relative to longitudinal axis x.

Retainer 414 disengages from hub slot 424 such that needle hub 332 isreleased from housing 312. Needle hub 332 can be manipulated distallyvia finger tab 405. In the binding position, binding surfaces 368 engagestylette 316 to bind and prevent axial movement of stylette 316 withinhousing 312. Shield 300 is disposed in the extended position to preventhazardous exposure to distal end 314.

In an alternate embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, binding member 364includes separate frictional members 862 that are disposed on a proximalside and a distal side of aperture plate 365, respectively. Frictionmembers 862 are friction fit rings, which allow sliding of stylette 316therewith and provide a frictional drag force, similar to thatdiscussed, via engagement with stylette 316. The drag force is createdas stylette 316 slides and friction members 862 engage aperture plate365. Friction members 862 engage aperture plate 365, and in cooperationwith blocking member 340, cause aperture plate 365 to rotatecounter-clockwise. Binding surfaces 368 engage stylette 316 to preventaxial movement of stylette 316, as discussed. It is contemplated thatfriction members 862 may be fabricated from materials such as,polymerics, metals, etc.

Alternatively, friction member 962 may form a monolithic member thatlinks or joins two members 964, as shown in FIG. 13. Members 964 engagestylette 316 and aperture plate 365 to prevent axial movement ofstylette 316, similar to that discussed with regard to FIG. 12. It isenvisioned that aperture 366 may create a drag force via engagement withstylette 316 to cause rotation of binding member 364, similar to thatdescribed. It is further envisioned that materials such as, for example,jells, greases, etc. may be employed to create a frictional drag forcewith stylette 316 to cause rotation of binding member 364.

In an alternate embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, housing 312 includes ahub support 1020. Hub support 1020 is received by needle hub 332 toadvantageously facilitate removable mounting of needle hub 332 withshield 300. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 15, control surface 410 ofhousing 312 may be cut back or eliminated. This configuration allows hubsupport 1020 to solely facilitate mounting of needle hub 332 via aconcentric relationship therewith.

Referring to FIGS. 16-19, another alternate embodiment of the medicalneedle safety apparatus is shown. An external grip element 1125, havinggrip element sections 1129, is disposed for rotation and enclosure ofshield 300. External grip element 1125 is mounted with handle 318 andfreely rotates relative to shield 300 and stylette 316 in the extendedposition of shield 300. Relative rotation of external gripping element1125 is facilitated by support at bearing opening 1127 and bearingopening 1130 formed in external gripping element 1125. Axles 1131, 1131Aare rotationally supported in bearing openings 1130, 1127, respectively.In a binding position, the bearing configuration supports rotation ofexternal gripping element 1125 relative to shield 300 and stylette 316.Housing 312 includes blocking member 340, 342, similar to thosediscussed. Stylette 316 passes through blocking members 340, 342 forslidable movement relative thereto. The halves of axle 1131 are spacedapart such that stylette 316 and retainer 414 may be disposed therein.

Referring to FIG. 26, shield 300 is in the retratcted position andbinding member 364 is in a non-binding or sliding position. Stylette 316is extended relative to shield 300 such that distal end 314 protrudesout of needle 317. Needle hub 332 is releasably mounted with housing312. Referring to FIG. 27, stylette 316 is retracted proximally suchthat shield 300 is extended to the extended position and binding member364 is disposed in a binding position. Needle hub 332 is released fromshield 300 and external gripping element 1125 encloses shield 300 in theextended position.

This configuration prevents rotation of shield 300 about longitudinalaxis x of stylette 316 such that binding member 364 is not undesirablyrotated to disturb the protective binding engagement with stylette 316.Thus, the possibility of intentionally abusing and defeating theprotective configuration of shield 300, in the extended position, bymanually and abusively twisting shield 300 is reduced. It is envisionedthat the length of opening 1127 may be increased such that the radialclearance of opening 1127 with stylette 316 limits tilting of shield 300within external grip element 1125. This configuration prevents radialcontact of shield 300 with external grip element 1125.

Referring to FIG. 20, in an alternate embodiment, housing 312 includes athrust collar 1132 mounted to housing 312. A corresponding thrust base1133 of external grip element 1125 is configured to support thrustcollar 1132 and controls relative axial movement between housing 312 andexternal grip element 1125. Thrust collar 1132 freely rotates withinthrust base 1133 to facilitate rotation of housing 312 and limit tiltingof shield 300 within external grip element 1125. Alternatively, as shownin FIGS. 21 and 22, external grip element 1125 includes a hub support1120, similar to that discussed above. In another alternative, as shownin FIGS. 23-25, control surface 410 of housing 312 may be cut back oreliminated, similar to that discussed above. Hub support 1120 isconnected to external gripping element 1125 to facilitate the mountingrelationship of needle hub 332 with housing 312.

In another alternate embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 28-32, the medicalneedle shield apparatus includes a shield 1200, similar to thosedescribed, that is extensible from a retracted position to an extendedposition to enclose a distal end 1215 of a stylette 1216 of a needleassembly. Stylette 1216 is slideably and concentrically disposed with aneedle 1217 of the needle assembly for employment therewith during amedical needle application. A stylette handle 1218 is connected tostylette 1216.

A binding member 1264 is disposed within shield 1200 and defines bindingsurfaces 1268. Binding surfaces 1268 form an aperture 1266. Bindingmember 1264 includes friction members 1262 extending therefrom. Bindingmember 1264 has a needle communicating surface 1272 that is engageablewith stylette 1216 to prevent rotation of binding member 1264. Frictionmembers 1262 are configured for slidable engagement with stylette 1216between the retracted position and the extended position such thatfriction members 1262 engage stylette 1216 to create a drag force,similar to those described, with stylette 1216. Shield 1200 includes ahousing 1212 that encloses binding member 1264.

As stylette 1216 is released from engagement with a needle communicatingsurface 1272, binding member 1264 and a retainer 1214 move to a bindingposition. Rotation of binding member 1264 causes binding surfaces 1268to frictionally engage stylette 1216 to prevent movement thereof.Housing 1212 includes blocking members 1240 and/or 1242 that causebinding member 1264 to move to the binding position as forces imposed onshield 1200 cause relative movement thereof in either direction alonglongitudinal axis x. This maintains stylette 1216 within shield 1200 toavoid hazardous exposure to distal end 1214.

Binding member 1264 includes an aperture plate 1265, frictional members1262, end sensing member 1271, needle communicating surface 1272 andretainer 1214. End sensing member 1271 includes a pair of arcuate armsthat facilitate rotation of needle communicating surface 1272 andretainer 1214, as discussed.

Frictional members 1262 extend from aperture plate 1265 for alignmentwith aperture 1266 and engagement with stylette 1216. Each frictionalmember 1262 may include a U-shaped arm that is spaced apart fromaperture plate 1265. The U-shaped arms are spaced apart to facilitatesliding engagement with stylette 1216. Such engagement creates africtional drag force with stylette 1216. This frictional drag force inconjunction with one of the blocking members 1240 and/or 1242 causesbinding member 1264 to move with stylette 1216, which generates acanting force in retainer 1214 and inclination of aperture plate 1265.Needle communicating surface 1272 opposes the canting force of endsensing member 1271 directed to stylette 1216.

As stylette 1216 is released from engagement with needle communicatingsurface 1272, rotation of aperture plate 1265 causes binding surfaces1268 to frictionally engage stylette 1216 to prevent movement thereof.Blocking members 1240, 1242 cause aperture plate 1265 to move to thebinding position as forces are imposed on shield 1200 in eitherdirection along longitudinal axis x. This maintains stylette 1216 withinshield 1200 to avoid hazardous exposure to distal end 1214.

As stylette 1216 is retracted and shield 1200 is extended, as shown inFIG. 29, friction members 1262 create a drag force via engagement withstylette 1216 on binding member 1264 and in conjunction with blockingmember 1240 cause aperture plate 1265 to rotate in a counter-clockwisedirection to the binding position. Blocking members 1240A, 1242A engageaperture plate 1265 to facilitate rotation thereof from theperpendicular position into the binding position such that bindingsurfaces 1268 engage stylette 1216, as discussed. This configurationprevents movement of stylette 1216.

Needle hub 1232 is mounted with needle 1217. Needle hub 1232 isreleasably mounted with shield 1200 via releasable engagement withretainer 1214. Needle hub 1232 has a hub slot 1224 for receipt andengagement with retainer 1214. This configuration facilitates removaland use of needle hub 1232 and needle 1217 from shield 1200 during amedical needle application.

A flange of needle hub 1232 is concentrically supported by a controlsurface 1210 of an external grip element 1225, discussed below. It iscontemplated that other forms of connection may be employed. Controlsurface 1210 engages flange 1204 for releasable support thereof. Housing1212 may include hub stop surfaces 1201 that facilitate positioning ofneedle hub 1232 with housing 1212.

Retainer 1214 extends from needle communicating surface 1272 for receiptwithin hub slot 1224 of needle hub 1232. In association with anon-binding or sliding orientation of binding member 1264, retainer 1214is disposed within hub slot 1224 for releasably mounting with shield1200. As stylette 1216 is retracted and shield 1200 is extended,retainer 1214 rotates in a counter clockwise direction and disengagesfrom hub slot 1224 to release needle hub 1232 from housing 1212.

An external grip element 1225 is disposed for rotation and enclosure ofshield 1200. External grip element 1225 is mounted with handle 1218 andfreely rotates relative to shield 1200 and stylette 1216 in the extendedposition of shield 1200. Relative rotation of external gripping element1225 is facilitated by support at bearing openings 1233 formed inexternal gripping element 1225 and axles 1234, similar to thosedescribed above. In a binding position, the bearing configuration,including at least one bearing, supports rotation of external grippingelement 1225 relative to shield 1200 and stylette 1216.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 34-36, the medical needleshield apparatus includes a binding member 1364 that is disposed withina shield 1300 (FIG. 35), similar to that described with regard to FIGS.28-32, that is extensible from a retracted position to an extendedposition to enclose a distal end of a stylette 1316 of a needleassembly. Stylette 1316 is slideably and concentrically disposed with aneedle 1317 of the needle assembly for employment therewith during abone biopsy needle application. A stylette handle 1318 is connected tostylette 1316.

In operation, the medical needle shield apparatus, similar to thatdescribed, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosureis provided for employment with needle hub 1332. The clinician (notshown) manipulates handle 1318 such that shield 1300 is in the retractedposition (FIG. 34) and binding member 1364 is in a non-binding orsliding position. Stylette 1316 is extended relative to shield 1300 suchthat needle hub 1332 is disposed about needle 1317 and needle hub 1332is releasably mounted with housing 1312. A procedure employing themedical needle shield apparatus with stylette 1316 and needle 1317 isperformed by the clinician to completion.

Needle hub 1332 is releasably mounted with housing 1312. Referring toFIG. 35, stylette 1316 is retracted proximally such that shield 1300 isextended to the extended position and binding member 1364 is disposed ina binding position. Needle hub 1332 is released from shield 1300 and anexternal gripping element 1325 encloses shield 1300 in the extendedposition. This maintains stylette 1316 within shield 1300 to avoidhazardous exposure to the distal end of stylette 1316.

Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 37-39, the medical needle shieldapparatus including shield 1300 described above with regard to FIGS.34-36, further includes a binding member 1464 that is disposed within ashield 1400, similar to that described with regard to FIGS. 28-32.Shield 1400 includes a housing 1412 that encloses binding member 1464.Shield 1400 is extensible from a retracted position to an extendedposition to enclose a distal end of needle 1317.

In operation, needle hub 1332 is released from shield 1300 and anexternal gripping element 1325 encloses shield 1300 in the extendedposition, as described above. An external gripping element 1425 enclosesshield 1400 in the extended position. This maintains needle 1317 withinshield 1400 to avoid hazardous exposure to the distal end thereof.

In alternate embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 40-42, the medical needleshield apparatus includes a binding member 1664 that is disposed withina shield 1600, similar to those described, that is extensible from aretracted position to an extended position to enclose a distal end of aneedle 1517 of a needle assembly. A stylette 1516 is slideably andconcentrically disposed with needle 1517 of the needle assembly foremployment therewith during a bone biopsy needle application using aprobe guide 1634. A handle 1518 is attached to stylette 1516.

Binding member 1664 is disposed within shield 1600 and defines bindingsurfaces 1668. Binding member 1664 includes friction members 1662extending therefrom. Binding member 1664 has a needle communicatingsurface 1672 that is engageable with needle 1517 to prevent rotation ofbinding member 1664. Friction members 1662 are configured for slidableengagement with needle 1517 between the retracted position and theextended position such that friction members 1662 engage needle 1517 tocreate a drag force, similar to those described, with needle 1517.

Binding member 1664 includes an aperture plate 1665, frictional members1662, end sensing member 1671 and needle communicating surface 1672. Endsensing member 1671 facilitates rotation of needle communicating surface1672, as discussed.

In operation, the medical needle shield apparatus, similar to thatdescribed, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosureis provided for employment with needle hub 1532. The clinicianmanipulates hub 1532 such that shield 1600 is in the retracted position(FIG. 40) and binding member 1664 is in a non-binding or slidingposition.

Needle hub 1532 is releasably mounted with shield 1600. Referring toFIG. 41, needle 1517 is retracted proximally such that shield 1600 isextended to the extended position and binding member 1664 is disposed ina binding position. Needle hub 1532 is released from shield 1600 and anexternal gripping element 1625 encloses shield 1600 in the extendedposition. This maintains needle 1517 within shield 1600 to avoidhazardous exposure to the distal end of needle 1517.

Probe guide 1634 has a funnel configuration, integral to shield 1600,and is installed over needle 1517, which may be contaminated from a bonebiopsy procedure. The funnel configuration of probe guide 1634facilitates attachment with a probe rod 1535. Thus, shield 1600 andprobe guide 1634 prevent hazardous exposure to the clinician. Probe rod1535 is inserted into a distal end of needle 1517 and passedtherethrough to force a sample (not shown) out of needle hub 1532.

In another alternate embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 43-47, the medicalneedle shield apparatus includes a shield 1700, similar to thosedescribed, that is extensible from a retracted position (FIG. 43) to anextended position (FIG. 47) to enclose a distal end of a needle 1716 ofa needle assembly. Needle 1716 is slideably and concentrically disposedwith a sheath 1717 of the needle assembly for employment therewithduring a PICC introducer application. Sheath 1717 may, or may not, besplitable. Needle 1716 is a hollow bore cannula having a sharpeneddistal tip. Sheath 1717 is desirably fabricated from a polymericmaterial.

A handle 1718 is connected to Needle 1716. Handle 1718 may have a flashchamber 1736 in communication with needle 1716. A luer fitting 1737communicates with flash chamber 1736 that facilitates connection tovarious medical devices via either a luer slip or luer lock attachmentfeature.

A binding member 1764, similar to that described with regard to FIGS.28-32, is disposed within shield 1700. Shield 1700 includes a housing1712 that encloses binding member 1764.

Needle hub 1732 is mounted with needle 1717. Needle hub 1732 isreleasably mounted with shield 1700 via releasable engagement with aretainer 1714 of binding member 1764. Needle hub 1732 has a hub slot1724 for receipt and engagement with binding member 1764. Thisconfiguration facilitates removal and use of needle hub 1732 and sheath1717 from shield 1700 during a medical needle application.

A flange of needle hub 1732 is concentrically supported by a controlsurface of an external grip element 1725, discussed below. The controlsurface engages the flange for releasable support thereof. Retainer 1714extends for receipt within a hub slot 1724 of needle hub 1732. Inassociation with a non-binding or sliding orientation of binding member1764, retainer 1714 is disposed within hub slot 1724 for releasablymounting with shield 1700. As needle 1716 is retracted and shield 1700is extended, retainer 1714 rotates in a counter clockwise direction anddisengages from hub slot 1724 to release needle hub 1732 from housing1712.

An external grip element 1725 is disposed for rotation and enclosure ofshield 1700. External grip element 1725 is mounted with handle 1718 andfreely rotates relative to shield 1700 and needle 1716 in the extendedposition of shield 1700. Relative rotation of external gripping element1725 is facilitated by support at bearing openings formed in externalgripping element 1725 and axles, similar to those described above. In abinding position, the bearing configuration supports rotation ofexternal gripping element 1725 relative to shield 1700 and needle 1716.

Referring to FIG. 47, needle 1716 is retracted proximally such thatshield 1700 is extended to the extended position and binding member 1764is disposed in a binding position. Needle hub 1732 is released fromshield 1700 and shield 1700 encloses the distal end of needle 1716 inthe extended position. This maintains needle 1716 within shield 1700 toavoid hazardous exposure to the distal end of needle 1716.

It is envisioned that the outer rotating housing may be comprised ofmultiple sections of various configurations, or may be monolithicallyformed, as is appropriate to the particular application.

The various shields disclosed above may be used to measure a desiredinsertion depth by positioning the shield along the needle at a desiredinsertion depth. It is also contemplated that the various shieldsdisclosed above may be used to stabilize the needle by grasping theshield during insertion.

The invention of the present disclosure may be embodied in otherspecific forms without departing from the spirit or essentialcharacteristics thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to beconsidered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, thescope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims ratherthan by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within themeaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended tobe embraced therein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A medical needle shield apparatus comprising: aneedle hub having an outer needle cannula extending therefrom to adistal end, an inner needle being disposed for slidable movement withthe outer needle cannula; and at least one shield being extensible froma retracted position to an extended position to enclose a distal end ofthe inner needle, the shield including a binding member disposed withinthe shield and defining binding surfaces that form an apertureconfigured for slidable receipt of the inner needle between theretracted position and the extended position, the binding memberincluding at least one drag inducing member such that the at least onedrag inducing member engages the inner needle during slidable receipt ofthe inner needle to create a drag force with the inner needle, the dragforce facilitates rotation of the binding member relative to alongitudinal axis of the inner needle such that the binding surfacesengage the inner needle to prevent slidable movement of the inner needlein the extended position of the shield, the binding member furtherincluding a needle communicating surface extending therefrom such thatthe needle communicating surface is engageable with the inner needle toprevent rotation of the binding member, a retainer extendingtransversely from the needle communicating surface for releasableengagement with the needle hub.
 2. A medical needle shield apparatus asrecited in claim 1, wherein the at least one drag inducing memberdefines a cavity that is substantially aligned with the aperture, thecavity being configured for slidable receipt of the needle to create thedrag force with the needle.
 3. A medical needle shield apparatus asrecited in claim 1, wherein the binding member includes a substantiallyplanar aperture plate that includes the binding surfaces that form theaperture.
 4. A medical needle shield apparatus as recited in claim 3,wherein the at least one drag inducing member includes a pair of armsextending from the aperture plate, the arms having curled end portions.5. A medical needle shield apparatus as recited in claim 4, wherein thearms includes a deflectable member.
 6. A medical needle shield apparatusas recited in claim 3, wherein the shield includes a housing thatdefines at least one blocking member extending from an interior surfacethereof, the aperture plate being axially movable for engagement withthe at least one blocking member that causes rotation of the bindingmember to a binding orientation.
 7. A medical needle shield apparatus asrecited in claim 1, wherein the binding member is rotatable, relative toa longitudinal axis of the inner needle, between a non-bindingorientation whereby the inner needle is slidable relative to the bindingmember and a binding orientation whereby the binding surfaces engage theinner needle to prevent slidable movement of the inner needle in theextended position of the at least one shield.
 8. A medical needle shieldapparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the shield includes a housingthat defines at least one blocking member extending from an interiorsurface thereof, the at least one blocking member being engageable withthe binding member for urging the binding member to a bindingorientation.
 9. A medical needle shield apparatus as recited in claim 1,further comprising an external gripping element that encloses the atleast one shield, the external gripping element supporting the at leastone shield for relative rotational movement therewith.
 10. A medicalneedle shield apparatus as recited in claim 9, wherein the at least oneshield is supported for relative rotational movement by the externalgripping element by at least one bearing.
 11. A medical needle shieldapparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the inner needle is attached toa handle for manipulation thereof.
 12. A medical needle shield apparatusas recited in claim 1, wherein the needle hub is releasably mountablewith a housing of the at least one shield.
 13. A medical needle shieldapparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the needle hub defines a hubslot that is configured to receive the retainer of the binding member.14. A medical needle shield apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein thebinding member includes at least one outwardly arcuate arm that extendsto the needle communicating surface.
 15. A medical needle shieldapparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising a plurality ofshields.